What Can I Do With a “Business Purposes Only” License in Florida?

So, you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Orlando and, within the first 10 days, you successfully obtained your “Business Purposes Only” (BPO) license, also known as a hardship license. This leads to the most common question I get from clients: “What am I actually allowed to do with this license?”

The rules have some firm boundaries, but also a significant gray area. Let’s break it down.

Driving on a Hardship License in Central Florida? Don’t risk another arrest by misunderstanding the rules. If you’re facing the underlying DUI charge, call my office. The ultimate goal is to get your full license back. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

The Rules of Your Restricted License

Think of your BPO license as a tool for necessities only. Anything that could be considered “fun” is strictly off-limits.

What is NOT Allowed:

• Driving to the beach, movies, concerts, or sporting events.
• Going out to a restaurant or bar for a meal (unless you are an employee driving to or from your shift).
• Visiting friends or family for purely social reasons.

If an officer sees you pulling out of a movie theater parking lot at 10 PM on a restricted license, you are likely going to be arrested for Driving While License Suspended.

What IS Allowed (The “Big Four”): The Florida statute is very specific about what is permitted. You are allowed to drive for purposes necessary to “maintain livelihood.” This generally covers four categories:

1. Driving to and from your Work.
2. Driving to and from School.
3. Driving to and from Church or any religious service.
4. Driving for Medical Purposes.

The Biggest Gray Area: What Counts as “Medical”?

That last category, “Medical Purposes,” is where things can get complicated. It is defined more broadly than just going to a scheduled doctor’s appointment.

Going to the Gym: Can you drive to the gym? Possibly. If your doctor has advised you to exercise for your health (for example, for blood pressure or rehabilitation), then a trip to the gym could be considered medical. Pro Tip: I strongly recommend getting a letter from your doctor stating that they want you to go to the gym several times a week. Keep that letter in your car to show an officer if you are ever questioned.

Going to the Grocery Store: The statute does not explicitly list grocery shopping. However, a trip to the store can be considered medical. For example, if your doctor tells you to get more Vitamin C and you drive to Publix to buy orange juice or some over-the-counter medication–that is a valid medical purpose. Even if you happen to buy milk, bread, and other groceries while you are there, your primary purpose was medical. Be prepared to explain your reasoning if you are stopped.

These are the complications you will face while on a restricted license. The best advice is to always be cautious and have a legitimate, statutorily-approved reason for every trip you take. If you have been charged with a DUI in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County, call my office. I have been helping clients navigate these exact issues since 1993.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.